Are you ready for the new Environmental Standards?

From March 2015, all those working on UK Contractors Group member sites will have to comply with the UKCG’s new Environmental Training Standard.

The Standard sets a minimum requirement of environmental knowledge needed by site managers, supervisors and operatives, whether employed by contractors or subcontractors, and builds on the successful Site Environmental Aware Training Scheme (SEATS) which has been developed by UKCG members.

SEATS covers key issues such as waste and water management, pollution prevention and managing energy resources. It is the first nationally accredited environmental training programme for site supervisors and managers and will run under the CITB banner. Read more . . . .

The new one-day course will provide a common and transferable programme for the industry – reducing the costs and duplication of companies developing their own courses; and setting levels of best practice within construction.

It provides training in site sustainability, water management, resource efficiency, contamination and hazard awareness, in order to upskill site managers and site supervisors – enabling them to better manage environmental resources.

From March 1, workers on sites will have to meet the following requirements:

Site managers – Completion of SEATS plus additional SEATS+ modules. Alternatively, a comparable Sector Skills Council or trade association course, or an internal company course that meets the knowledge requirements of SEATS and SEATS+ (SEATS+ is additional e-learning modules for site managers that will be available in March 2015).

Site supervisors – Completion of SEATS. Alternatively a comparable Sector Skills Council or trade association course, or an internal company course that meets the knowledge requirements of SEATS.

Site operative – a relevant CSCS card – this requires passing the CITB Health Safety and Environment Test.

If you require more information on the UKCG’s Environmental Training Standard, click here.